Google’s Android 7.0 Nougat operating system has more or less remained the exclusive domain of Google’s flagship devices, namely the Pixel and Pixel XL, but things do look brighter for the remaining Nexus devices as they are touted to be on the receiving end of the Android 7.1 Nougat update. It was earlier in October that an announcement was made, citing how the developer preview of Android 7.1 Nougat would be available by the end of that particular month.
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Dave Burke, Google’s VP for engineering, shared, “Later this month we'll be bringing you the Android 7.1 platform as an open Developer Preview, similar to what we did for Android 7.0. You'll be able to test and build on the new platform and try the latest features."
So far, it seems as though Google has been true to their word, and we do know that Android 7.1 Nougat is being prepared for a rollout across a slew of Nexus-branded devices, where among them include the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C Tablet.
Basically, users who have already enrolled in the Android Beta program are now able to get a glimpse of how Android 7.1 Nougat works. NeuroGadget has reported that Nexus devices which will include the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Pixel C, Nexus Player and Android One are tipped to receive their version of the Android 7.1 Nougat software update some time in December 2016, although no exact release date has been pinned down just yet. Still, to have the idea that Android 7.1 Nougat is in the bag before the year comes to a close is a comforting thought, and hopefully it will make for a nice Christmas present in our virtual Christmas stocking.
Once the family of Nexus have received the Android 7.1 Nougat update, then it the remaining manufacturers should pick up the slack and start delivering the same update for their handsets. With Android 7.1 Nougat, one will be able to enjoy not only the performance, productivity and security of Android 7.0 Nougat, but also gain the advantage of newer APIs, optimizations and having squashed some bugs. Among the new features would include circular app icons as well as enhanced live wallpaper metadata.
Not only that, image keyboard support will be part of the Android 7.1 Nougat update, allowing content that has been entered by users from their handset's keyboards to be more expressive via animated GIFs and custom stickers. Does this mean the LINE app would lose some users along the way?
Nexus 6P Battery Failure Post-Android 7.0 Nougat
It looks like a selected bunch of Nexus 6P owners have reported a battery issue after making the jump to Android 7.0 Nougat. In other words, the Nexus 6P would stop working suddenly, and will remain dead unless it is plugged into a power outlet. The YouTube video below illustrates this issue, where the uploader owns a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) Nexus 6P that has Android 7.0 Nougat on it. Snapping a few photos happily with the Nexus 6P, it just died after that -- only to be revived when it is plugged in even though there is a reasonable amount of charge left before.
There is no word on how common this issue is, and more importantly, is there a fix? Some figured out that when Android 7.1 Nougat arrives, it might be fixed, although there is no guarantee. We guess reverting to Android 6.0 Marshmallow would be your next bet if you are affected.
The response on Reddit to this video are numerous, where folks are on one hand, relieved to know that they are not alone with this issue. However, a fix had better be coming quick from the folks over at Google if they want to have happy campers for their customers.
